Former Vikings Coach Mike Zimmer Heading Back to NFL Sideline

Mike Zimmer was the Minnesota Vikings head coach from 2014 until he was fired in 2022 and replaced by Kevin O'Connell, he hasn't been on the sideline for a team since then, but that will all change this season.

After leaving Minnesota, Zimmer sold his home in Minnesota and moved back to his ranch in Walton, Kentucky and just chilled for a couple of years, he did some consulting for some teams, but was not coaching in the NFL.

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Zimmer was hired by the Dallas Cowboys as their new defensive coordinator, he is replacing Dan Quinn who spent three years with the team, but in a notable comparison between Zimmer and Quinn, it is being reported that Zimmer will be coaching the defense from the sidelines, versus from a stadium booth, like Quinn would do.

Zimmer told the media this week that he's "always" been on the sideline for games, and that he prefers to grab players when they come off the field to chat with them about anything that might need addressing, "If there’s adjustments that need be made, then I want to be able to sit down and do them with them".

This is Zimmer's second time with the Cowboys, he was an assistant coach for a while before being promoted to the defensive coordinator in 2000. This time around Zimmer will be working with longtime NFC North rival coach Mike McCarthy, he was the head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 2006 through 2018.

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Zimmer left Minnesota with a winning record of 72-56 and head coach, but he only led the Vikings to the NFC North championship twice and the playoffs three times, but his defenses were always generally very good, so he may not make the best head coach, but he will be a great addition to the Cowboys for the foreseeable future.

History of Minnesota Vikings' 1st Round Draft Picks - Year by Year

The Minnesota Vikings started to participate in the NFL Draft in 1961. Over the years they have had a few great picks, some really good picks, some solid picks, and as we all know, some total busts and what were they thinking moments. Below is a history of all their first-round picks and some information so you can make the call for yourself on how they faired with each one.

LOOK: Minnesota Vikings Owner Zygi Wilf Lists His Custom-Built Mansion For $3.25 Million

Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf, who purchased the football team back in 2005 for $600 million, made his fortune in commercial real estate and homebuilding. Now, he's selling his custom-built mansion in Springfield, New Jersey, located about 25 miles west of Manhattan.

The 13,484 square-foot Colonial mansion is privately nestled at the very end of a sought-after Cul-De-Sac in an exceptional location backing up to the prestigious Baltusrol Golf Course.

The luxurious property features exquisite architectural designs, a gated entry, fine craftsmanship, crown moldings, coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, and large windows overlooking the professionally landscaped property.

Foodies will appreciate the custom designer kitchen that features high-grade appliances, custom cabinetry, an expansive center island, and an elegant butler pantry. There's also a formal dining room, family room, recreation room with a bar, office with a full bath, game room, movie theatre, exercise room, 3-car garage, and more.

There are 9 full and 2 half baths and six all En Suite bedrooms. The primary suite has its own wing with a bedroom, an office, a beautiful spa-like bath, large walk-in closets, and a balcony overlooking the property.

The outside is like living at your own resort with covered patios, an outdoor kitchen, a lush garden with a fountain, mature plants, flowers, and even a putting green. The cherries on top include an inground pool, jacuzzi, a pool house with a large kitchen, a full bath, and a wine cellar.

The home went on the market in July 2023 for $3,250,000.